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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
A Stranger at Fellsworth by Sarah E. Ladd is the third book in A Treasures of Surrey series. It is 1819 at Wilhurst House in London, England. Annabelle Thorley lives with her brother, Thomas Thorley and his wife, Eleanor since the death of their parents. Annabelle was engaged to Samuel Goodacre until rumors about her father and embezzlement started circulating. Annabelle is out with her maid, Margaret Crosley when her reticule is stolen. Owen Locke, a gamekeeper visiting London from Fellsworth, quickly catches the thief and reclaims it. It turns out that Owen and his employer at staying at Wilhurst House during their stay. Annabelle is told by her brother that she is to marry Cecil Bartrell. Bartrell is offensive, and she has no intention of becoming of his wife. To avoid this loveless marriage and her brother’s wrath, Annabelle plots her escape. Annabelle enlists Owen’s help, and Owen, Annabelle and Crosley are soon on their wall to Fellsworth. Annabelle’s uncle runs the Fellsworth School and both ladies are taken in and given jobs. For the first time in her life, Annabelle must earn her own way. There has been a problem with poachers, and Owen is responsible for finding the culprits. Kirtley Meadow, the land he wishes to purchase, is on the line. Owen and Annabelle see each other on occasion and their friendship deepens into love. But Thomas Thorley is not about to let Annabelle go that easily. What will Owen do to protect Annabelle from harm? Who is behind the poachers and can Owen put a stop to their plundering? Owen and Annabelle’s future hangs in the balance. Will they get their happily ever after?
A Stranger at Fellsworth is well-written and engaging. The characters are relatable and appealing. I appreciated the author’s descriptions of the clothes (especially the gowns) worn by the characters. The setting sounded beautiful (who wouldn’t love to visit England). It was interesting to read about a boarding school for underprivileged children. I have not encountered that previously in Regency books. The mystery was pleasing (slightly complex), and I liked how all the elements came together in the end. I am glad that the author included it in the book so it was more than a romance novel. The Christian element is light and blends in beautifully with the story. The romance between Annabelle and Owen is sweet and gentle (subdued). The ending will make you smile. I give A Stranger at Fellsworth 4 out of 5 stars. While this is the third book in the series, it is a stand-alone novel. You do not need to read the previous two books, but, after reading A Stranger at Fellsworth, you will want to read them.
A Stranger at Fellsworth is well-written and engaging. The characters are relatable and appealing. I appreciated the author’s descriptions of the clothes (especially the gowns) worn by the characters. The setting sounded beautiful (who wouldn’t love to visit England). It was interesting to read about a boarding school for underprivileged children. I have not encountered that previously in Regency books. The mystery was pleasing (slightly complex), and I liked how all the elements came together in the end. I am glad that the author included it in the book so it was more than a romance novel. The Christian element is light and blends in beautifully with the story. The romance between Annabelle and Owen is sweet and gentle (subdued). The ending will make you smile. I give A Stranger at Fellsworth 4 out of 5 stars. While this is the third book in the series, it is a stand-alone novel. You do not need to read the previous two books, but, after reading A Stranger at Fellsworth, you will want to read them.
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
The third and final instalment in Sarah Ladd’s Treasures of Surrey series was a fun and enjoyable read. It some ways, it reminded me of some of her previous books, particularly The Headmistress of Rosemere (because it involves a girl’s boarding school) and A Lady at Willowgrove Hall (which also involved the protagonist running away).
The characters were interesting, I especially liked the hero Owen Locke, who I think cropped up in the last book somewhere. A gamekeeper and single father afraid of loving again after a tragedy, who is nonetheless a man of honour, and Annabelle’s Aunt and Uncle. The caring if slightly eccentric headmaster and his wife. The love story was well written without being too mushy, as were the faith elements. They came across as natural to the story, conveyed in the lives and experiences of the characters, and not too preachy but appropriate for the time.
The synopsis however, I think exaggerates the element of danger, mystery and intrigue. Something does happen, there is mention of a gang of poachers in the local forest, but it’s not as central to the story as Annabel and Owen’s relationship except at the end, where it serves as a foil. I think another reviewer mentioned that whilst this is a good story, it’s not especially memorable, nor as atmospheric as the last book, which featured some wonderful evocative descriptions of the landscape and setting.
I also agree that the antagonists weren’t as well written as other characters. They were rather predictable and some of thier actions seemed a little far fetched.
A few Americanisms in the story were also a source of some annoyance. I’m not sure school attendees were called students in 19th century Britain. Wouldn’t it have been pupils? A girl being bullied saying the other children were being ‘mean’ to her for not being ‘smart’ just doesn’t sound right. It’s not in the same league as Jane Eyre- can modern fiction ever be? This novel is however a great choice for those seeking a light, clean read that isn’t too taxing and was a good conclusion to the series.
I requested an ebook version of this title from the Publisher for review, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one an all opinions expressed are my own.
The characters were interesting, I especially liked the hero Owen Locke, who I think cropped up in the last book somewhere. A gamekeeper and single father afraid of loving again after a tragedy, who is nonetheless a man of honour, and Annabelle’s Aunt and Uncle. The caring if slightly eccentric headmaster and his wife. The love story was well written without being too mushy, as were the faith elements. They came across as natural to the story, conveyed in the lives and experiences of the characters, and not too preachy but appropriate for the time.
The synopsis however, I think exaggerates the element of danger, mystery and intrigue. Something does happen, there is mention of a gang of poachers in the local forest, but it’s not as central to the story as Annabel and Owen’s relationship except at the end, where it serves as a foil. I think another reviewer mentioned that whilst this is a good story, it’s not especially memorable, nor as atmospheric as the last book, which featured some wonderful evocative descriptions of the landscape and setting.
I also agree that the antagonists weren’t as well written as other characters. They were rather predictable and some of thier actions seemed a little far fetched.
A few Americanisms in the story were also a source of some annoyance. I’m not sure school attendees were called students in 19th century Britain. Wouldn’t it have been pupils? A girl being bullied saying the other children were being ‘mean’ to her for not being ‘smart’ just doesn’t sound right. It’s not in the same league as Jane Eyre- can modern fiction ever be? This novel is however a great choice for those seeking a light, clean read that isn’t too taxing and was a good conclusion to the series.
I requested an ebook version of this title from the Publisher for review, and purchased the audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive one an all opinions expressed are my own.
anne1tje's review
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rgyger's review against another edition
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised with this novel, as I have read others by this author in the past and had not cared for them. However, this one was well worth the read, with a romance and heroine I could cheer for, and a conflict that gripped my attention.
Annabelle is sympathetic and likeable character who needs to escape a desperate situation, while discovering that her only way out is to leave behind everything that is familiar. While not the most unique of plot developments, I believe Ladd was able to do this far more realistically than in many similar stories. Throughout this change in life style, Annabelle struggles with the limitations of her background and mindset, having to remind herself that things she believed previously have all along been false.
The interactions with Owen were also rather sweet, creating a relationship built on respect rather than passion. While I did not care for the depiction of Annabelle's maid I did enjoy the rest of the characters' interactions and the fact that there were friendships that crossed social stratospheres.
I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of this book through The Fiction Guild.
Annabelle is sympathetic and likeable character who needs to escape a desperate situation, while discovering that her only way out is to leave behind everything that is familiar. While not the most unique of plot developments, I believe Ladd was able to do this far more realistically than in many similar stories. Throughout this change in life style, Annabelle struggles with the limitations of her background and mindset, having to remind herself that things she believed previously have all along been false.
The interactions with Owen were also rather sweet, creating a relationship built on respect rather than passion. While I did not care for the depiction of Annabelle's maid
Spoiler
who began as kind but then became shrewish, despite Annebelle's genuine attempts at reconciliation,I have provided an honest review after having received a copy of this book through The Fiction Guild.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
Since I read book #2 (Dawn at Emberwilde), I went back and read the first book in the series The Curiosity Keeper. Really, the only thing the three books seems to have in common is the school at Fellsworth. I do feel like I have read about Annabelle Thorley’s family before however. The last name sounds so familiar. I might have to go back and dig up the previous books to see if they make an appearance. All in all, each books appears to stand alone with little to none carrying over.
There were places in this book that annoyed me. Mostly characters and how they behaved. I felt like Annabelle really was too much of a naïve girl. Way too trusting. I totally called the players in the final plot—and it annoyed me that the characters in the story couldn’t see it too. LOL. I guess that makes for a good story when characters and their actions annoy you—well sometimes anyways. In this book, I kept telling Annabelle, “DON’T trust her!!” But she sadly didn’t listen to me. ;)
All in all, I am giving this book 3 1/2 stars. It was good, but not great. I felt the plot was pretty predictable AND I didn't like it as much as the previous book. The writing style was still very beautiful and the author continued to capture my imagination with her descriptions of the Surrey countryside. I think the book is a good read for those who have read the series and want to continue, and there may be other readers who think I am being too harsh. LOL
*I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way.
There were places in this book that annoyed me. Mostly characters and how they behaved. I felt like Annabelle really was too much of a naïve girl. Way too trusting. I totally called the players in the final plot—and it annoyed me that the characters in the story couldn’t see it too. LOL. I guess that makes for a good story when characters and their actions annoy you—well sometimes anyways. In this book, I kept telling Annabelle, “DON’T trust her!!” But she sadly didn’t listen to me. ;)
All in all, I am giving this book 3 1/2 stars. It was good, but not great. I felt the plot was pretty predictable AND I didn't like it as much as the previous book. The writing style was still very beautiful and the author continued to capture my imagination with her descriptions of the Surrey countryside. I think the book is a good read for those who have read the series and want to continue, and there may be other readers who think I am being too harsh. LOL
*I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
3.0
Annabelle Thorley has been left an orphan in London and now her alcoholic, abusive brother wants to marry her off to a rich, but deplorable, friend to keep his own affairs afloat. Having no one else to turn to, Annabelle asks Owen Locke, a kind gamekeeper who earlier protected her from a pickpocket, to help her escape her London home. She flees to Fellsworth, where an uncle she barely knows owns a school. Her new position there as a teacher is a far cry from the luxuries of a London belle, and she must learn to take care of herself, work hard, and be careful whom she trusts.
This book was a fun Regency romance, although not particularly memorable. Annabelle is a sympathetic heroine, and I particularly liked the exploration of the new relationship between her and her maid Crosley, once Crosley is no longer a servant. Owen Locke, the gamekeeper, was a stand-up hero, and the mystery about what happened to his first wife unfolded nicely in the plot. The antagonists were a little less well-rounded, some being almost caricatures in their outrageous villainy. All in all, this book was an enjoyable read and a good addition to Ladd's canon of novels.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book was a fun Regency romance, although not particularly memorable. Annabelle is a sympathetic heroine, and I particularly liked the exploration of the new relationship between her and her maid Crosley, once Crosley is no longer a servant. Owen Locke, the gamekeeper, was a stand-up hero, and the mystery about what happened to his first wife unfolded nicely in the plot. The antagonists were a little less well-rounded, some being almost caricatures in their outrageous villainy. All in all, this book was an enjoyable read and a good addition to Ladd's canon of novels.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
janallan's review against another edition
5.0
This was my favorite of the Treasures of Surrey series! I love that Annabelle was willing to adapt when things got hard and shift her focus to her new circumstances and the people around her.
I’m really curious what happened to Eleanor, her poor sister in law, after the events of this book. Being in her shoes would be awful!
I’m really curious what happened to Eleanor, her poor sister in law, after the events of this book. Being in her shoes would be awful!
sn_miller's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amelia990's review against another edition
4.0
This story starts with the heroine finding herself in a poor home life situation. She decides to run away to her uncle, and she enlists the help of our hero, who works for one of her brother's friends. This book is a bit choppier than some of Ladd's other books. The first third is superb, but getting from the middle to the end felt like some things were missing or weren't explained.