29 Feb 2020

The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah E. Ladd

Cornwall Novels #2
January 7th 2020, Thomas Nelson, 352 Pages
Print, Ebook and Audio 


Cornwall, England, 1818
Julia Twethewey needs a diversion to mend her broken heart, so when her cousin invites her to Lanwyn Manor, Julia eagerly accepts. The manor is located at the heart of Cornwall’s mining industry, and as a guest Julia is swept into its intricate world. It’s not long, though, before she realizes something dark lurks within the home’s ancient halls.

As a respected mine owner’s younger son, Isaac Blake is determined to keep his late father’s legacy alive through the family business, despite his brother’s careless attitude. In order to save their livelihood—and that of the people around them—the brothers approach the master of Lanwyn Manor with plans to bolster the floundering local industry. Isaac can’t deny his attraction to the man’s charming niece, but his brother has made clear his intentions to court the lovely visitor. And Isaac knows his place.

When tragedy strikes, mysteries arise, and valuables go missing, Julia and Isaac find they are pulled together in a swirl of strange circumstances, but despite their best efforts to bow to social expectations, their hearts aren’t so keen to surrender.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐


This book was a great second installment in Sarah Ladd's new series 'The Cornwall Novels'. Its her third series, and I'd say its right on form. There are two brothers from a mining family (ala Poldark) an old house, rumours of hidden treasure and a curse.
The beginning of the novel is quite spectacular, and sets the tone for the rest of the story. A love triangle between Julia and the two brothers Isaac and Matthew Blake. Both seem to have something to hide. Something strange going in in Lanwyn manor, where someone seems to be out to drive Julia's family away. 

There are faint shades of the classics here, and some of Julie Klassen's more gothic novels. The romance doesn't overtake the story, and there is no instantaneous love. Which makes for a more realistic read.
Overall, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was a very satisfying story, that taps well into the current fashion for tales set in Cornwall, without being cliched or pedestrian. My only complaints were a couple of Americanisms (saying 'write her' instead of 'write to her'), but they didn't really detract from the story. 

Recommended for lovers of Regency/Victorian fiction, and existing Sarah Ladd fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and the the publisher for approving my request to read this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

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