About the Book

About the Author

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My Review

Until the past year, the Regency era held little to no interest to me. I attribute this to the fact that I’m not a romance novel devotee, nor do I find myself drawn to matchmaking tales or stories about typical marriage customs. I have read a couple of Jane Austen’s books, and I didn’t care for either one. I prefer the Colonial or Victorian periods. However, last year I read a couple of Christian fiction titles set during the Regency era, and to my surprise, I actually enjoyed them! One of these was “The Governess of Penwythe Hall”, which is book one of The Cornwall Novels series. As a result, I did not hesitate for a moment to sign up for the sequel!

“The Thief of Lanwyn Manor” shares many of the themes of its predecessor, but with a unique plot that Sarah Ladd weaves into another intricate tapestry. This book could be read as a standalone, as there are very few spoilers, but I always recommend reading a series in order when possible to get the most out of it and to appreciate how everything comes together. Either way, this second book also has a simultaneously mysterious and romantic air about it. Fans of Abigail Wilson will enjoy The Cornwall Novels, and it is that layer of foggy inscrutability that most draws me to these books. There is an underlying aura of disquiet that permeates the story, an instinctive type of foreshadowing that blends into the romance and makes the narrative intriguing. The plot unfolds slowly but steadily, the pacing appropriate for the style.

As for the characters, they are well-developed overall. Julia Twethewey, a child in “Penwythe Hall”, is now 19 and thankful for the opportunity to serve as temporary companion for her cousin, Jane, who is confined to bed for the last trimester of her pregnancy. Part of Julia’s motivation is also to fulfill both her desire and society’s expectation to marry well: “Of course she was in search of a husband. Every single lady of marriageable age was eager for security.” The twins, Isaac and Matthew, add romantic tension and enhance the mysterious elements, and numerous secondary characters populate the narrative to balance the scales. Because of the novel’s location setting, mining plays a significant role, and I learned about the struggles and dangers involved in this livelihood, which in this case become a primary source of conflict. As is still true today, different places, even when near each other, can be vastly diverse in their values and way of life. As Julia notes, “Geographically she was not that far from home, but indeed, there was no denying she was in a very different world.” Nevertheless, as “The Thief of Lanwyn Manor” goes to show, it is not where we live that truly matters, but rather who we are and how we live and, most importantly, Who goes with us.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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