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elisabethd8a's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A chaste Regency-era slow burn romance with a compelling mystery that gave off strong old-school Nancy Drew vibes
It was enjoyable to get to know the adult Julia. At the beginning of the story, I really felt for her bad situation. Of course, I also cringed for the bad medical advice that cousin Jane endured.
This is one of the few books that has such a realistic love triangle -- the man I should marry at a time where marriage was practical vs. the man I want to spend time with.
Isaac's sense of honor, his duty to fulfill promises made to the dying, and his desire to leave behind a legacy with a strong family name add much to the story. The ending is heartwarming.
It was enjoyable to get to know the adult Julia. At the beginning of the story, I really felt for her bad situation. Of course, I also cringed for the bad medical advice that cousin Jane endured.
This is one of the few books that has such a realistic love triangle -- the man I should marry at a time where marriage was practical vs. the man I want to spend time with.
Isaac's sense of honor, his duty to fulfill promises made to the dying, and his desire to leave behind a legacy with a strong family name add much to the story. The ending is heartwarming.
forestidylls's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this perfect blend of lighthearted romance and mystery in Regency England.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor by Sarah Ladd has Julia Twethewey traveling to Lanwyn Manor to be a companion to her cousin, Jane who is confined to bed during her latter part of her pregnancy. Julia is accosted at the Gray Owl Inn by men looking for her uncle. William Lambourne, Julia’s uncle, has closed Bal Tressa, his copper mine, which has the local miners up in arms. She is saved by Isaac Blake who helps run a local mine owned by his brother. Valuable items begin disappearing from Lanwyn Manor after Julia’s arrival, and Julia receives threatening notes encouraging her to depart. Something sinister is happening in Goldweth. Julia and Isaac team up to find answers. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is the second installment in The Cornwall Novels. It can be read as a standalone if you have not indulged in The Governess of Penwythe Hall. I thought The Thief of Lanwyn Manor was well-written with developed characters. The point-of-view alternates between Julia and Isaac. I like that we get a male and female perspective because, let’s face it, men and women see things differently. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I like how the pacing increases during tense moments. I enjoyed the authors vivid descriptions of Cornwall, the beautiful homes, and the fashions. There is tension in Goldweth with one mine shut down and the price of copper is low. I liked the mystery surrounding the missing items and the threats which added intrigue and suspense. I thought the author captured the time period beautifully. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an intriguing Regency novel with mysterious threats, hidden danger, a special romance, scared miners, and a matchmaking aunt.
english_lady03's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this story set in a small mining village in Cornwall. Julia is escaping a bitter disappointment when the man she thought would marry her chooses another. She is on her way to Lanwyn manor to be the companion to her pregnant cousin, when she is accosted in an Inn on her way there. She is rescued by Isaac Blake whose twin owns one of the mines near her family's estate. Intrigue, mystery, and romance follow as Julia realizes not all is as it seems at Lanwyn manor. Family jewels disappear, secret passages are revealed, a supposed hidden treasure exists in the manor, and though Julia is encouraged to love the older twin Matthew Blake, she can't forget the handsome Isaac who rescued her at the inn. But, can she trust him with her heart? I highly recommend this series! Cornwall's history is so intriguing with smugglers, mining ventures, and mystery. It's such a great setting for a mystery/romance.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
Julia Twethewey was too obvious with her interest in a certain dashing young gentleman, and when he becomes engaged to another, she shamefacedly leaves the neighborhood to avoid embarrassment. Her cousin Jane, wife to a deployed military man, is on bedrest at Lanwyn Manor in Cornwall, and Julia goes to attend her as a companion until the birth of her child. Although Cornwall isn't far from home, it's far enough to be a different country entirely. Julia discovers unrest between the unemployed miners and the mine owners, one of whom is her uncle.
The target of a disgruntled villager, Julia is rescued by Isaac Blake, the overseer at one of the mines. Isaac's prestigious brother Matthew begins paying her court, but Julia is unsure whether he is more attracted to her person or to her uncle's mining property. And although Matthew is certainly charming, she feels a definite flutter of the heart when she crosses Isaac's path several times on her morning rides.
When valuable trinkets begin to disappear from Lanwyn Manor, Julia must decide whether to believe the old legends of a ghost or whether something more sinister is afoot. Is it prudent for her to confide in a certain gentleman, or will her feelings only make a fool of her one more time?
This novel took a few chapters to engage my interest, but the action picked up after the first third of the book. Isaac is a well-drawn hero, torn between following his own ambition and catering to his brother's wishes. The inferiority he feels to Matthew is painful, as is his stoic acceptance of the fact that any woman would prefer his brother in matters of the heart. Julia (who was introduced in Ms. Ladd's first Cornwall book as Jac's eldest niece) is an unexceptional heroine with flawless manners, a beautiful singing voice, and a kind heart. Her one foible seems to be a fear of trusting her heart (in view of the embarrassing episode that provoked her visit to Cornwall in the first place).
The book is marketed to "fans of Poldark," but the similarities mostly involve the setting. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor has little of the grittiness one might expect in a Poldark drama. A few elements of suspense give the book a Daphne Du Maurier feel, but overall, this is more of a sweet romance than a dark tale. This book is a satisfying addition to the Ladd canon of Regencies.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The target of a disgruntled villager, Julia is rescued by Isaac Blake, the overseer at one of the mines. Isaac's prestigious brother Matthew begins paying her court, but Julia is unsure whether he is more attracted to her person or to her uncle's mining property. And although Matthew is certainly charming, she feels a definite flutter of the heart when she crosses Isaac's path several times on her morning rides.
When valuable trinkets begin to disappear from Lanwyn Manor, Julia must decide whether to believe the old legends of a ghost or whether something more sinister is afoot. Is it prudent for her to confide in a certain gentleman, or will her feelings only make a fool of her one more time?
This novel took a few chapters to engage my interest, but the action picked up after the first third of the book. Isaac is a well-drawn hero, torn between following his own ambition and catering to his brother's wishes. The inferiority he feels to Matthew is painful, as is his stoic acceptance of the fact that any woman would prefer his brother in matters of the heart. Julia (who was introduced in Ms. Ladd's first Cornwall book as Jac's eldest niece) is an unexceptional heroine with flawless manners, a beautiful singing voice, and a kind heart. Her one foible seems to be a fear of trusting her heart (in view of the embarrassing episode that provoked her visit to Cornwall in the first place).
The book is marketed to "fans of Poldark," but the similarities mostly involve the setting. The Thief of Lanwyn Manor has little of the grittiness one might expect in a Poldark drama. A few elements of suspense give the book a Daphne Du Maurier feel, but overall, this is more of a sweet romance than a dark tale. This book is a satisfying addition to the Ladd canon of Regencies.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
inspiretruth's review against another edition
3.0
Book two of the Cornwall series, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, is another exciting, compelling, and suspenseful novel. Julia Twethewey, who we met in the first book, is grown and has journeyed to her aunt and uncle's residence to keep her cousin company during her uncomfortable pregnancy. From the moment Julia arrives in town, she became a target. After inheriting Lanwyn Manor, Julia's uncle moved his family to the country; however, as items go missing and threats against their wellbeing are made, the family fears what is to come. Can Julia build a bridge to ease the village miners' resentment towards her family, or will her presence make it worse? And what of the handsome Blake brothers? Her aunt is determined to match Julia with Matthew Blake, but what of his younger brother, the one who captured Julia's heart the day she arrived?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Absorbed into the storyline, I was enthralled by the events that transpired - Julia's love triangle with the twins, Matthew and Issac Blake, along with the mystery surrounding the stolen possessions. Finishing within a few days, I didn't want the story to end. However, as much as I enjoyed the storyline, the ending was a bit disappointing; to me, it fell a bit short after the build-up to the reveal. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the next book in the series and learning what happens to the other Twethewey children!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! Absorbed into the storyline, I was enthralled by the events that transpired - Julia's love triangle with the twins, Matthew and Issac Blake, along with the mystery surrounding the stolen possessions. Finishing within a few days, I didn't want the story to end. However, as much as I enjoyed the storyline, the ending was a bit disappointing; to me, it fell a bit short after the build-up to the reveal. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the next book in the series and learning what happens to the other Twethewey children!
elvenavari's review against another edition
4.0
Review of the audio book, read by Jude Mason.
I really liked these characters and the setting. Well, not the aunt, she was annoyingly vile. And Matthew rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning but maybe he was supposed to? I felt so bad for Jane. I do hope her husband comes back from whichever war he is fighting in. The way things unraveled at the end was well done. I could have taken another day to finish listening but nooo, I had to know how it ended.
I really liked these characters and the setting. Well, not the aunt, she was annoyingly vile. And Matthew rubbed me the wrong way from the beginning but maybe he was supposed to? I felt so bad for Jane. I do hope her husband comes back from whichever war he is fighting in. The way things unraveled at the end was well done. I could have taken another day to finish listening but nooo, I had to know how it ended.
readingintheweehours's review against another edition
5.0
marvelous
What a fantastic story. Fans of Poldark will enjoy some similar scenery.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, romantic tension…ahh. The good stuff. ;)
Must read!
What a fantastic story. Fans of Poldark will enjoy some similar scenery.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, romantic tension…ahh. The good stuff. ;)
Must read!
jnak's review against another edition
4.0
Clean historical romance placed in Cornwall if you are a fan of Poldark you will enjoy this