3.65 AVERAGE

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juliesplotsandpages's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 22%

I just couldn't get into this book. It was so slow. It just wasn't for me.
adventurous emotional fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
inspiring mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character

I went into this expecting a historical romance and while it was that, I was not expecting the mystery, the smuggling, the kidnapping, and more. This had me on the edge of my seat as the entire story played out and I loved every minute of it. The romance was in the story, but I don’t feel that it was the main plot of the story, most of the story was about her escape from her in-laws who blamed her for her husband’s death, only to end up in their clutches once more. This was a compelling story and I am glad I listened to it on audio. 

slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional tense
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Delightful tale but quite predictable.

I enjoyed Sarah E. Ladd's writing, especially when she blended in Christian thoughts, but was quite predictable. Once a character was introduced I could predict about 90% of their effect on the plot. Cornwall is one of my favorite places on earth, so her descriptions took me right back. I also just wanted more from Delia. I felt as confident as she claimed to be, she also was so easily pushed around by the other characters in the book. I wanted her to have more spunk like Jane Eyre (which this book reminded me of in the best way). 

Want to see more from this author and this world. 3.5/5

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

The hero tending to an apple orchard was a bit different but overall it was very tame for a Gothic novel set in Cornwall. I never really felt the ambience that is necessary in gothic novels in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. And I saw no chemistry between Cordelia and Jack. Having said that, I will be reading the next book in the series.

You can judge this book by its cover; it's beautiful inside and out. I love the way Sarah weaves history into her writing. It isn't a recitation of facts, but I finished the book with a better sense of the (fictionalized) past.

Delia Greythorne is widowed shortly after discovering her husband is a free trader. She escapes Cornwall and her husband's family to make her own way as a governess. The children she cares for are orphaned and she joins them on their Uncle Jac's estate, unfortunately located close to the Greythorne holdings in Cornwall. As one would expect, it all catches up to her, and Delia is forced to deal with them again. There's a little bit of intrigue and a little bit of romance.

The storyline and characters are colorfully portrayed. I recommend this to historical fiction, clean romance fans.

I liked the mystery and backstory woven throughout. Quick and fun read.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall, book one of the Cornwall series, is a thrilling and mysterious novel! Centering on the ties of family and the enchantment of the Cornish coast, this clean novel will draw you in with its first word and hold onto your until its last!

It's been three years since Delia Graythorne's husband tragically passed away. Fleeing the coast of Cornwall for the smoggy London air, Delia is happy as a governess to five children; however, after the sudden death of their father, Delia's biggest fear is about to come true. Torn between the danger that will come if she returns to her homeland and the love she has for the children who have captured her heart, Delia navigates her new life at Penwythe Hall on her tip-toes. Nevertheless, her past lurks in the shadows, drawing closer by the day, along with growing romantic feelings for the children's guardian, Jac Tretheway.

How far will you go to protect your family? Is a dark secret worth the life of the innocent?

The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a captivating novel. It was so refreshing to listen to a clean historical fiction narrative. I know there are many like it, but I thoroughly enjoyed Sarah E. Ladd’s writing style and her portrayal of Cornwall. The characters were relatable, and each chapter left me wanting more! The next book of the series is already in my library, and I can't wait to begin!