Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Cornwall #2

Zlodej z Lanwyn Manoru

Rate this book
Nájde Julia Twetheweyová na starobylom panstve Lanwyn Manor liek na zlomené srdce?

Cornwall, Anglicko 1818

Druhá časť trilógie Romány z Cornwallu z pera Sarah E. Laddovej, autorky obľúbených regentských sérií Tajomstvá vresovísk a Poklady Surrey, vás v dojemnom príbehu o hľadaní šťastia, lásky a domova zavedie do prostredia medených baní v Cornwalle.

Julia Twetheweyová má zlomené srdce. V nádeji, že si ho vylieči, prijme pozvanie od tety a strýka na panstvo Lanwyn Manor, no hneď po príchode ju v miestnom hostinci prepadnú. Zachráni ju príťažlivý Isaac Blake, správca medenej bane Wheal Tamsen, ktorá patrí jeho bratovi Matthewovi. A práve Matthewa si Juliina teta vezme na mušku ako najvhodnejšiu partiu pre svoju neter. Juliu však niečo podvedome ťahá k Isaacovi.
Isaac Blake má dobré srdce. Súcití s miestnymi baníkmi, ktorí v zlých časoch trú biedu, a pokúša sa znovu otvoriť zaplavenú baňu Wheal Gwenna, dedičstvo po predkoch. Krásna návštevníčka susedného Lanwyn Manoru mu nadobro učaruje, no brat mu dá jasne najavo, že dvoriť sa jej bude on. Isaac sa s tým len veľmi ťažko zmieruje...
Keď sa na Lanwyn Manore začnú diať čudné veci a nič už nie je také, ako sa zdá, Julia a Isaac sa ocitnú v centre záhadných udalostí, ktoré podrobia ťažkej skúške nielen ich morálne zásady, ale i srdcia a duše.

376 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

435 people are currently reading
4358 people want to read

About the author

Sarah E. Ladd

21 books3,194 followers
I would love to connect with you on Facebook and talk about all things Regency! Be sure to like my page for updates: http://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,000 (30%)
4 stars
1,358 (41%)
3 stars
776 (23%)
2 stars
121 (3%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Carpenter.
1,887 reviews239 followers
January 14, 2020
I love a good Regency story filled with intrigue, suspense, great characters, dastardly characters, struggle, dreams, hope, healing and love (and I could probably add several more words to that list but I'll refrain). And let me tell you, this one has it all! I've been hooked on Sarah E. Ladd's books since I came across the second book she had published at my public library. The cover was gorgeous and I just had to read it. After that I've picked up every one of her books that I can to enjoy. But this one is going to have the privilege of being my favorite of her books so far!

I couldn't put it down. I read and read and read. Luckily (but not really luckily) I hadn't been feeling well and not sleeping well at night, so I had this lovely gem to keep me company in my sleepless state. It was wonderful. While I was reading at night I kept imaging and picturing myself there in Cornwall with these characters. It starts with a bang and ends with a bang! All the little things happening throughout the book, the little details, watch for those and see if you can figure out who the thief is and why. Very intriguing. I had my guesses. I was right on some and slightly (but not really) surprised on others. Read it and you'll understand.

There is a bit of a love triangle...kind of. It's complicated. Kind of. Do I have you confused? I can't clarify because then I'd give away information that you have to read the book to figure it out all on your own. Piece it together if you will. Which characters are really as they seem? Which characters aren't? Well, just so you know, there are some surprises waiting for you in that regards because you might not believe your eyes. There are some vexing characters too. *cough, cough, the aunt or mother figure* (Is that really all that surprising? They do tend to get a bad rap sometimes, what with having the vapors and all and tremors and needing to take to their beds, it's all too much for them to handle because of their delicate constitutions. Ok, not all of them are that way but you get my gist.)

I found the mining aspect of the story very interesting. Learning a little bit more about the history of mining in the Cornwall area (or rather in that time period because there were similar mines in other locations than Cornwall). I've read many books set in Cornwall, mostly all focused on smuggling, so it was great to read about another industry there (a non-illegal industry).

I hope you enjoy this one if you pick it up. And just a heads up, if you are a fan of Sarah E. Ladd's and read the first book in this series, you'll discover that the main character in this book was one of the young charges in the first book. That was a fun connection and it meant that we saw just a little glimpse of the main characters from the first book.

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and suspense but nothing graphic. Nothing more than a few sweet kisses.

I received a copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Randi Annie Framnes.
146 reviews279 followers
July 10, 2020
Julia Twethewey finds herself in a dangerous armed robbery where handsome mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. Strange things start to happen at Lanwyn Manor where she visits. Valuable items go missing and there is rumors the manor is cursed. Julia and Isaac have to cooperate to find what is going on with the mining community and the thefts from the manor.
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels by Sarah E. Ladd, published by Thomas Nelson. The story is set in Cornwall, England 1818 and focuses on Julia Twethewey as she goes to visit her cousin in Cornwall. On arrival she finds herself in the center of an armed robbery, where mining captain Isaac Blake saves her from being shot. When Isaac’s twin brother, mine owner Matthew Blake, starts flirting with Julia, she is pretty sure he just wants to get his hands on her uncle’s mine. Silver and jewels go missing from Lanwyn Manor and something seems a miss. Julia and Isaac are forced to cooperate as strange things keep happening at the manor.
Main character Julia Twethewey is mine owner Lambourne niece. She seems quite a determined, assertive and kind but sensitive young woman who looks past wealth and status to focus more on personal character traits, like we would today. She is my favorite character of this story.
Uncle William Lambourne is the mine owner who has a collection of negative traits. I find him seriously disagreeable and unsympathetic man who seems to not have much of a heart. He is by far my least favorite character of this story, although there were a couple of other strong contenders.

I found the dramatic robbery at the start of the story was particularly well written. I could feel the danger, hairs rising on my back. I enjoyed the vivid and descriptive writing of impressive interiors of the manor and local environments, which made the story come alive.

My favorite part of the plot was the mystery about the thievery from Lanwyn Manor. It included several surprising twists and an exciting ending to the story. My least favorite part was descriptions of Matthew Blake’s personal traits and attitude. He seemed condescending and prejudiced. I felt my skin crawl.

The mining theme of the plot and the setting in Cornwall reminds me of the Poldark series, but it includes a mystery part about the manor and the sleuthing of the theft, which sets it apart from Poldark.

Julia and Isaac were drawn to each other from when he rescues her in the robbery. They meet «accidentally» in the mornings to talk and as they get to know each other better, new closeness emerges.

Fans of Sarah E. Ladd would love this story. Readers of historical romance fiction would enjoy it as well. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Michelle Griep. All opinions in this review are completely my own.
Conclusion: This plot is exciting with a surprising end. It reminds me of the Poldark series and reads like a mystery plot with romance included. I found the character building great and the fabulous writing drew me in from the very start. I excitedly await last installment in the series.
My rating: 4 stars / 5
Main reasons: exciting plot with surprise ending, great character building, fabulous writing
Profile Image for Abigail.
Author 2 books205 followers
January 20, 2020
It is very rare that I find a sequel that is better than the first book but this book blew me away. I could hardly set this book down. Though, The Governess of Penwythe Hall was a fabulous book, I fell more in love with this one.

I loved following, Julia’s story. She was the oldest girl from the last book and I LOVED her character. She was not your typically Regency female but she wasn’t your cliche “special one” either that I have seen in this types of books. She was a breathe of fresh air and I just loved everything about her. I connected with her more than I did Delia. Isaac was also amazing. I really, really liked his character. He was the perfect male protagonist that left me cheering and hoping throughout this whole novel.

Though most of the characters were lovable there were a few that I did not like like Julia’s aunt and Matthew. I know they were the “antagonists” of the story but I still did not like them much.

The mystery in this novel was so much more real and heart pounding than in the last one. I was sucked in from the first page it appeared. The mystery really made this story stand out to me.

I really enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Ladd’s books in this future!

*I received this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and Celebrate Lit in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review.*
Profile Image for Sarah Sundin.
Author 22 books3,551 followers
February 18, 2020
Sarah Ladd has penned another delightful Regency that is so much more than a romance. The tensions in the mining community and the mystery concerning the thief create intrigue and interest beyond the love story. And yet the forbidden romance between Julia and Isaac is absolutely charming. Isaac is my favorite sort of hero – unassuming, kind, hardworking, and gallant. And Julia’s compassion and strength make her an endearing heroine.
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,447 reviews
January 9, 2020
Set in Cornwall, England in the midst of mining country, Isaac Blake runs a mine that has been inherited from his diseased father and is owned by his twin, Matthew, who is 3 minutes older. Matthew has a hidden side that noone knows about. Some of the mines in the area have been closed meaning many of the local miners are out of work and unhappy. Julia Twetheway has just come to this area to stay with her aunt, uncle, and cousin, who is having a difficult pregnancy. Trouble starts from the moment she arrives because her uncle won't open the mine he has bought along with the Lanwyn Manor. Will Isaac and Julia be able to solve the thefts, mysteries, and problems that beset Lanwyn Manor?

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series as I felt the children at Penwhyte Hall brought the book to life along with the main characters. I wasn't as drawn in to this book, but still enjoyed the twists and turns as Isaac and Julia tried to figure out what was happening at Lanwyn Manor and why Matthew was pursuing her so frantically. I did figure out the villain about halfway through the story but not the whys and wherefores. I also liked the ending and Matthew's choices.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.
Profile Image for Malia Saldaña.
302 reviews18 followers
September 24, 2020
What a fun,regency novel! I really enjoyed the second book to Sarah Ladd’s newest series. I liked how it was mystery, regency, and romance. Isaac was so sweet. I thought Julia was a great heroine. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,157 reviews5,100 followers
August 30, 2020
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star
Early High School Teens- Two Stars
Older High School Teens- Two Stars (and a half)
My personal Rating- Two Stars

The mystery of a thief is what pulled me into this novel, but, unfortunately, it didn’t keep my attention very well.

While I like Julia as a character a decent amount, nothing stood out to me about her. She felt like nearly every other regency heroine I’ve read in the Christian genre. I didn’t feel any depth from her, sadly.

Isaac was fine and in love (at basically first sight) with Julia, but there was a comment he made about the men in his family having a problem with anger and that it was passed to him as well. I’m not sure if this was supposed to give him a sense of dimension (ie a “flaw” in his perfect hero role), but I found it to be a little unnerving for Julia’s sake as she never saw that side of him.

I (and many others) have noticed that more and more new books published by this publisher are lacking in Christian content. This book was no exception. There was so much about the curses and ghosts of Lanwyn Manor and barely anything about God. A few church mentions of scenes and a mention of God in a discussion/uplifting way. (Since I was reading the Kindle edition of this book, I will note that the way “God” was mentioned 4 times (including a “God’s earth”, “God dear his soul”, and “God willing” which are all common phrases of this time period) and the word “cursed” is used 20 times.)

Besides these points, it was an overall clean read, I just found it lacking in some regards and not my cup of tea in terms of details.

{{Official Content Review to Come.}}
Profile Image for sarah.
428 reviews279 followers
September 22, 2019
“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.


Thank you to netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book!
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,657 reviews1,227 followers
June 18, 2020
Julia Twetheway is one of the children from book one, now grown. She has lived most of her life at Penwythe Hall with her uncle in Cornwall, England. To be with her cousin Jane as she nears the birth of her firstborn, Julia travels to Lanwyn Manor, the home of another aunt and uncle in a mining community of Cornwall.

There she meets twins Isaac and Matthew Blake who own and run a struggling copper mine. Matthew is a player, wanting to draw close to Julia in hopes of getting access to her uncle's mine which has been left out of commission for months. However, it’s Isaac who is the much kinder, genuinely attentive brother.

But something is afoot at Lanwyn Manor with valuable things going missing and threatening letters being sent. Secret passages and a creepy housekeeper add to the mystery surrounding this old, not terribly welcoming estate. What is Julia's part in all the strange and alarming events?

The narrator of this audiobook was excellent, possibly turning this book into the 4 stars I’m giving it. Good choice of a voice to read this story.

I rather enjoyed this second book in the Cornwall series. I had suspicions about what was going on, and who was involved in the sinister undertakings, but there was one interesting addition at the end that was a satisfying surprise.

I'm looking forward to October 2020 when we can expect the third book in the series, The Light at Wyndcliff to be published.
Profile Image for Cara Putman.
Author 66 books1,896 followers
January 8, 2020
Another great read. Really enjoyed the complexity of the plot and challenges for the main characters. A sweet romance that kept pulling me back to the story even when life was busy and tried to interfere. I loved the light mystery that ramped up in tension as the chapters slipped from one to another. Very enjoyable read for those who love Jane Austen era England.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
February 23, 2020
This is the second book in a series, but they can be read alone. One book is not dependant on the other. The beginning of the book moved a little slow for me, but by the middle, I was hooked and had a hard time putting it down.

Julia has come to live with her aunt and uncle in a small mining town in Cornwall. She is running from heartbreak and hoping to make a new start where everyone doesn't know of her situation. She looks forward to helping her cousin who is sick and in bed with her first pregnancy.

At the very beginning of the book, she is held at gunpoint because the villain wants her uncle. This starts the intrigue. Who are the bad guys and what do they want with her uncle?

She is saved by the very dashing Isaac Blake. He is one of the mine owners and puts his life on the line to save hers. Isaac wants answers on who the perpetrator is and hopes to diffuse things before they get out of hand. Isaac has a twin brother who is just minutes older than he is. Julia is pushed to the brother, Matthe, by her aunt. Thinking he would be a favorable match.

The beginning of the book lays the groundwork for what is to come. There is always the mystery of the masked man with the gun. There are problems with the mines. One of them is that Julia's uncle owns one that he recently closed. The condition of the families working in the mines is described and there are two handsome men that Julia is unsure of.

I honestly loved Julia and Isaac. They are both good people who are trying to help the people around them. They see people as individuals and not for their station in life. There are several other people who you don't get to know as well in the book. They each have their part to play which makes the story richer and more interesting.

This is a sweet romance with Christian undertones.

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



3,919 reviews1,763 followers
August 6, 2024
Poldark meets Elizabeth Gaskell (North and South, Cranford, Wives and Daughters -- novels and BBC miniseries) with a distinct Gothic flare. Dust off those fainting couches and grab your smelling salts and a fan or two and settle in for a mystery-steeped Regency that will have your heart performing somersaults and your tummy doing loop-de-loops. I'm a tad shy of giddy after finishing this one.

Beautifully written -- Ladd's word choice enhances the Regency vibe and her descriptions bring layered depths to the story. And her characters! Loved Julia right from the start (and adore that last name -- Twetheway -- so much fun to say!) She has honor and backbone and such a giving heart. But, goodness her Aunt Beatrice! I might have bald patches from tearing my hair out over her histrionics! The perfectly imperfect character-I-love-to-hate in a novel!

Two suitors -- but rest assured because one is definitely not really in the running so this isn't quite a love triangle. More like a stumbling block which kept me rabidly reading so I could get to the part where all things romantical are put to rights. Phew! The author put me through my paces though.

The mystery brings some Gothic ambiance to the story. A cursed house with mysterious goings on. Thievery and threats and all things sinister. Cue the creepy organ music and keep some comfort chocolate on hand as you mull over all the diabolical possibilities.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/08/06/t...
Profile Image for Staci.
2,295 reviews664 followers
January 11, 2020
Julia comes to Lanwyn Manor to recover from a broken heart and not looking to give her heart away again. She is there to be with her cousin Jane in the last months of pregnancy.

While I would have liked the ailments that plagued Jane to be more revealed at some point, there was plenty of other mystery in the air.

A solid Regency romance novel by the talented Sarah Ladd.
Profile Image for Susan.
777 reviews81 followers
December 26, 2019
4.5 stars

This is easily my favorite of Sarah Ladd's books to date. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is a must read for fans of Poldark with its setting in a mining village of Cornwall, a beautiful manor full of secrets, a heroine full of grit and a light dose of romance.

I loved how Ladd portrayed Isaac and his heart for the plight of the workers in the mining community. As in her other books, Ms. Ladd's research brings to light the hardships suffered by the working poor in England during this time.

While the faith thread is not as apparent as in some of her other books, I appreciate the clean read. Ms. Ladd is one of my favorite authors of Regency fiction. I look forward to reading more in this series.

One of my favorite quotes:
" Life often calls us to step out of what is familiar and comfortable to help those around us, does it not? But the rewards far outweigh the pains along the way."

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2024
Sarah E Ladd doesn’t disappoint! It was really neat to see Julia all grown up from the first book and get to experience her love story! She has become a really lovely young lady. I really did like Isaac. He was so kind to Julia and the two really complimented each other wonderfully! Having Isaac and Matthew be twins was really cool idea! Although I wasn’t a fan of Matthew. He really got on my nerves at times! He was so annoying! Julia and Isaac should have just told him to go away! Let me rephrase that…he was downright evil! Aunt Beatrice is a very demanding woman. I did get slightly annoyed when Julia treated Isaac so rudely and assumed things about him. Although, I didn’t love this one as much as the first book in the series, I enjoyed it nonetheless! I’m excited to read the third and final installment to this series! 🤗
Profile Image for Amy.
685 reviews41 followers
October 7, 2019
This is the second in Ladd’s ‘Cornwall Novels’, but entirely standalone as a read. Even with connections to Penwythe Hall, the reader can read confidently without ruining any plot line.

I love this era and the location, and legends provide for the perfect backdrop to this story. The mystery was an interesting element, and the developing relationship between Isaac and Julia was well paced and tender. So well matched, I enjoyed the way they first meet right through to the ending.

Well thought out and executed this story was enjoyable and enlightening. The inclusion of the entire community and the livelihoods of the local miners was an important factor in making this story interesting and genuine.

Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kailey.
794 reviews94 followers
January 1, 2020
This was like a mix of Poldark and a Jane Austen novel. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the bit of mystery surrounding Lanwyn Manor and it’s rumored treasure. I liked the references to characters from the last book and reading about Julia. I really liked Isaac’s character a lot. I would love to see these characters again. I definitely recommend this book and this series. This can be read as a stand-alone, but is even better read after the first book.


I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Monique Takens.
649 reviews14 followers
July 23, 2020
Gelukkig heb ik dit boek geleend van de bibliotheek ! geen kostbare euro's aan verspild dus .
Welke mijn eigenaar zou nu een bal - compleet met orkestje - in zijn huis geven voor de eenvoudige arbeiders , het klasse verschil was daar toen veel te groot voor . Wanneer je een historische roman schrijft moet je als auteur dit soort dingen weten !
Profile Image for Trisha.
446 reviews46 followers
January 6, 2020
What a fantastic story filled with unexpected twists and turns. I was kept on the razor edge, turning pages expectantly to find out what would happen next and kept guessing until the end! I’ve read and enjoyed many of Sarah E. Ladd’s books, but this has got to be my favorite. If you enjoy Regency period stories with mystery and intrigue, then do yourself a favor and snag a copy of this book to enjoy!

While this is the second story in the Cornwall series, it easily stands alone. There are a few references to the characters we previously met in book one. But you could easily jump right in with book two if you so wish. Fans of Poldark and Jane Austen will be blissfully enamored with this new story! A rumored treasure, shadowy figures, whispers in the walls. Secrets abound and surprises await!

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Profile Image for Rachel McMillan.
Author 26 books1,170 followers
Read
September 10, 2019
endorsement:

Northanger Abbey meets Poldark against the resplendent and beautifully realized landscape of Cornwall. Herein, a manor shrouded in secrets is populated by a host of well defined characters- including a captivating hero and heroine worthy of their hard won romance. Not only does Ladd prove again how effortlessly her pen can wield an authentic Regency portrait, she shines a spotlight on the limitations of women in an era where they were deprived of agency and instead commodities in transactions of business and land. The thinking woman’s romance, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an unputdownable escape.
Profile Image for lyd.
54 reviews17 followers
February 3, 2025
bro, i love this book. period.
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,320 reviews74 followers
January 26, 2020
Sarah Ladd's books never disappoint. The author has a way of drawing the reader into Regency era England with its unique history, sights, sounds, tastes, and events. This plot is driven by beautifully sketched characters and has a bit of underlying gothic mystery and suspense to keep it moving at a nice pace. The story takes place in a copper mining town and it was a pleasant boost to my knowledge base of early 1800 England since I know nothing about the mining history there. This is book 2 in The Cornwall Novels series but can be read as a stand-alone. If you enjoy historical romance (especially those set in Regency era), you will love this book.

Julia is a forthright, loyal young woman who comes to Lanwyn Manor to help her cousin during her pregnancy. Isaac is a hard-working mine captain - faithful, loyal, quiet but mature with a deeply-feeling soul. Julia has a past she wants to run from and Isaac feels restless while trying to find his place in the world. Thievery, anonymous threats, betrayal, and mine accidents all converge to give both Isaac and Julia a chance for freedom in love and a sense of worth.

I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Profile Image for Hallie (Hallie Reads).
1,651 reviews154 followers
January 20, 2020
4.5

Take another trip to Regency-era Cornwall as Sarah E. Ladd continues her series with The Thief of Lanwyn Manor! (But don’t worry—it took me a while to remember Julia from The Governess of Penwythe Hall, so I can assure you that it reads easily enough as a standalone, too.)

Recovering from a broken heart, Julia Twetheway heads to Lanwyn Manor to act as a companion to her bedridden, pregnant cousin. Of course, intrigue and danger arrive with her. Legends fill the house with a sinister air, tempers flare throughout the community from mining-related struggles, and Julia becomes caught in the romantic intentions of the Blake twins.

Ladd allows the story around Julia to unfold with ease—and a couple great twists—making The Thief of Lanwyn Manor a delightful combination of mystery and romance. I so enjoyed this novel and recommend it to anyone in need of a Regency romance.

This review is also posted on Hallie Reads.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Lucinda.
Author 22 books1,303 followers
December 15, 2019
I think this one of my favorites from the author.

Julia and Isaac are great characters and the setting reminded me of Poldark with all the mining references. Even though Isaac Blake doesn't have dark hair, I kept seeing Ross Poldark in my mind.

Julia goes to Lanwyn Manor to help her cousin who's expecting and not feeling well. Julia also wants to get away from all the rumors after the man she thought would propose to her married another.

She meets Isaac Blake when she's held at gunpoint at the village inn and he steps in front of the gun to protect her. As they meet, a friendship forms between them. They are genuinely good people and they recognize that in the other.

I won't give any spoilers but there are several things happening at the manor and the danger keeps mounting.

I enjoyed the cast of secondary characters and how they added to the story.

I wonder whose story will be next.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Brit Andrews.
355 reviews21 followers
January 24, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Lu.
756 reviews25 followers
February 10, 2021
Such a lovely story!

Isaac was the younger brother (by a few minutes) in a family of mine owners and was used to be relegated to second place in the eyes of the young ladies.

It had never really bothered Isaac before, but it all changed when his twin brother, Matthew, set his eyes on Julia, the neighbor's niece.

The story is full of family drama, ambition, mine-life, and its misfortunes.

I loved both Isaac and Julia so very much!

As in other books by this author, the characters are wholesome, relatable, and after some ups and downs, the story takes you to a place of happiness and peace.

Highly recommended!



Profile Image for Jill.
278 reviews
May 11, 2020

I always find myself turning to Regency fiction for comfort reading. This book is no different even though it boasts a creepy house and ghostly happenings. I love this Cornwell series, and can't wait for the next installment. It's nice to read about "normal" people during this time period. The romance was lovely. The hero was dashing and the leading lady was sweet and kind. They were a couple to root for. I'm interested to see if the next book has people we've already met in it as this one did. I highly recommend this book to readers of historical romance.

I received this book from Netgalley for the purpose of review.
Profile Image for ✝✝ Ⓓaisy ❣ ✝✝ .
494 reviews268 followers
January 27, 2020
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.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,196 reviews
January 15, 2020
A gothic romance, set on the mysterious shores of Cornwall.



Julia Twethewey accepts the invitation of her cousin to visit Cornwall, and is swept into the local politics and cutthroat world of mining. There are rumors of mysterious occurrences, as things begin to disappear, Julia wonders just what she has gotten herself into. She finds a friend in a neighboring mine owner's son, Isaac, who is kind hearted to a fault, but is it too soon for her recently broken heart?



Isaac is the younger son of a priminant mine owner, with a passion for fair treatment for the miners. He and his twin brother have worked alongside each other for years, Matthew is the face of the business, while Isaac does much of the legwork of the family business. I admired his strong work ethic and his care for others.



There is a lot going on in this book with the eeries goings on at the house, business politics of mining in Cornwall, as well as family drama, and obstacle-filled romance. I admired both Isaac and Julia, their friendship grew naturally over the course of the book, and how they supported each other through the trials that they faced. Highly enjoyable, with surprise twists along the way, with great tension between the characters as their various relationships are navigated.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.