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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
lighthearted
slow-paced
Cordelia Greythorne, newly widowed, is shown in the opening scene of this book leaving her home and her in-laws in a swirl of melodrama and tragedy. Dark secrets and dire threats are hinted at. Fast-forward a few years and she has taken a post as governess, but all too soon the children are left orphans. Their care has been assigned to their uncle, Jac Trethewey (I wish there was a pronunciation guide for this book!), and he lives, you guessed it, in the same county as Cordelia's nasty in-laws. She tries to avoid their notice, all the while fearing that the greater danger may be in falling in love with her new employer.
This book failed to intrigue me. The progression of the story was too plodding. Cordelia's tragic past never felt terribly real, and the elements of the story just seemed unoriginal and overly earnest. On the plus side, the most lively and lifelike character in the book was the youngest child, little Sophy. She had some genuinely cute moments in a book that was otherwise skimmable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book failed to intrigue me. The progression of the story was too plodding. Cordelia's tragic past never felt terribly real, and the elements of the story just seemed unoriginal and overly earnest. On the plus side, the most lively and lifelike character in the book was the youngest child, little Sophy. She had some genuinely cute moments in a book that was otherwise skimmable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A chaste historical slow burn Christian romance with a touch of adventurous mystery
I enjoyed not knowing who to trust and not knowing how God would meet future needs. Many family members annoyed me, just as the author intended. I felt for the female lead as she struggled with unforgiveness against those who should have protected her.
The romance was a bit rushed, particularly when the female lead reminds the male lead of their positions only to have that ignored really soon after that. I realize it's supposed to be a slow burn in the regency time period, but the adjustment was abrupt. I also had a hard time believing that when the adventure was over they wouldsit on her brother's couch and snuggle with his arm around her and with her leaning against his shoulder and nestling her head on his neck.
The denouement is very rushed.
I enjoyed not knowing who to trust and not knowing how God would meet future needs. Many family members annoyed me, just as the author intended. I felt for the female lead as she struggled with unforgiveness against those who should have protected her.
The romance was a bit rushed, particularly when the female lead reminds the male lead of their positions only to have that ignored really soon after that. I realize it's supposed to be a slow burn in the regency time period, but the adjustment was abrupt. I also had a hard time believing that when the adventure was over they would
The denouement is very rushed.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Governess of Penwythe Hall is a beautifully crafted novel. Cordelia “Delia” Greythorne is a strong woman who starts over after the death of her husband. She is afraid of her in-laws and she hopes that they never find her. Unfortunately, circumstances put her back in Cornwall and the inevitable happens. Delia is a likeable character who is loyal, hardworking, intelligent, and loving. You can tell she loves her young charges and wants to keep them safe. Delia is raising them to be thoughtful, caring individuals with faith in God. Jac Twethewey is a dashing man who is working hard to restore Penwythe Hall. He is not the type to make plans and order others to do the work. He is out working in the orchards every day. The arrival of more people puts a burden on his already strained finances. Sarah Ladd brought Cornwall alive for me with her writing. I could smell the sea air and see the craggy cliffs, the dangerous moors, and the beautiful Cornish coastline. Ms. Ladd gave readers lavish descriptions of this beautiful area. The romance is the type that progresses slowly (goes with the time period). We must remember that people did not express their feelings the way we do now, nor did couples get the opportunity to be alone together (that could ruin a lady’s reputation). Christian elements are woven in with the story. Jac’s Aunt Charlotte is a woman of strong faith and she was a charming addition to The Governess of Penwythe Hall. The children provide touching situation and humor especially Sophy. The mystery enhanced the story. I loved the addition of the secret and the smugglers. I could just imagine the boats bringing in their ill gotten booty onto the beach to hide in secret places along the Cornish coastline. The ending was a little rushed, but I did appreciate the epilogue. It was also interesting to learn more about apple presses and how they worked. My favorite phrase from The Governess of Penwythe Hall is “we are promised that when we rely on Him for strength, we will have what we need to face our challenges”. The Governess of Penwythe Hall has intrigue, romance, family, friendship, grief, faith and humor. This is my favorite book by Sarah E. Ladd to date. I am eager to read the next installment in The Cornwall Novels.
I'm an established Sarah Ladd fan, so requesting this book was a given. Mrs Ladd has branched out with a new series set in Devon, which is becoming a very popular setting for Regency novels, thanks to the Poldark series.
This delivers a lot of what readers have come to expect in Cornish novels: with smugglers, intrigue and some stunning, dramatic landscape.
The hero Jac was a stereotypical grumpy and reclusive relative, who suddenly has the children of his long estranged brother come and live with him, which comprises most of the action in the book with money struggles and family drama, as well as some hilarious faux pas by the children whom Jac grows to love.
Delia provides vague shades of Jane Eyre a governess with unexpected local connections and something of a shady past.
Then there were the six young charges of Delia. Child characters always bring a refreshing, honest and often funny view of unfolding events. In one passage, one of the little girls suggests they 'should listen harder' when eavesdropping on adults, before being chided by her older sister that it is unladylike behaviour.
All of the characters have to learn lessons in trust and love whilst facing circumstances that could either drive the unconventional family apart, or bring them closer together.
The romance in this book was slow-burning, and most of the book went by at an easy pace, which allowed for more character development. The only reasons my lower rating were that there were quite a few Americanisms and phrases that came across as clunky and unnatural. For example, at one point a character says the children are "well cared after". Shouldn't that be "cared for" or "looked after"?
The ending also came across as a little but rushed perhaps a little far-fetched. On a couple of occasions I also found it hard to keep up with some of the characters. I think there were too many minor characters with walk on roles, and it could become confusing to remember all their names and relationships to the main characters.
None of this really puts me off this author, or the book to a great extent. Its still a good book which makes good use of the setting, its just not my favourite. I think I preferred The Weaver's Daughter. Lovers of Regency fiction and Poldark fans should enjoy it.
I received a copy of this title from the Publisher or their representatives including Netgalley. This did not effect my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
This delivers a lot of what readers have come to expect in Cornish novels: with smugglers, intrigue and some stunning, dramatic landscape.
The hero Jac was a stereotypical grumpy and reclusive relative, who suddenly has the children of his long estranged brother come and live with him, which comprises most of the action in the book with money struggles and family drama, as well as some hilarious faux pas by the children whom Jac grows to love.
Delia provides vague shades of Jane Eyre a governess with unexpected local connections and something of a shady past.
Then there were the six young charges of Delia. Child characters always bring a refreshing, honest and often funny view of unfolding events. In one passage, one of the little girls suggests they 'should listen harder' when eavesdropping on adults, before being chided by her older sister that it is unladylike behaviour.
All of the characters have to learn lessons in trust and love whilst facing circumstances that could either drive the unconventional family apart, or bring them closer together.
The romance in this book was slow-burning, and most of the book went by at an easy pace, which allowed for more character development. The only reasons my lower rating were that there were quite a few Americanisms and phrases that came across as clunky and unnatural. For example, at one point a character says the children are "well cared after". Shouldn't that be "cared for" or "looked after"?
The ending also came across as a little but rushed perhaps a little far-fetched. On a couple of occasions I also found it hard to keep up with some of the characters. I think there were too many minor characters with walk on roles, and it could become confusing to remember all their names and relationships to the main characters.
None of this really puts me off this author, or the book to a great extent. Its still a good book which makes good use of the setting, its just not my favourite. I think I preferred The Weaver's Daughter. Lovers of Regency fiction and Poldark fans should enjoy it.
I received a copy of this title from the Publisher or their representatives including Netgalley. This did not effect my review and all opinions expressed are my own.