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A review by reneesmith
The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd
4.0
Having been a longtime fan of Regency greats, I’m glad to have discovered an author Romantic Times crowns as “Regency writing royalty”—Sarah Ladd!
And while I’m sharing, here’s how Romantic Times describes her latest novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere: “This book has it all: shining prose, heart-wrenching emotion, vivid and engaging characters, a well-paced plot, and a sigh-worthy happy ending that might cause some readers to reach for the tissue box.”
Here’s my take . . . The Headmistress of Rosemere tells the story of spinster Patience Creighton, who deals competently with her ailing mother and her boarding school filled with young ladies, but always seems to carry an air of sadness. Enter her landlord, William Sterling, a handsome, brooding hero, complete with dark past and cleft chin, who throws Patience’s well-ordered world into chaos. A fire, a goat, and some Lizzie-Bennet-type-annoying relatives stir things up. And a thread of mystery kept me turning pages.
What I liked best . . .
The Headmistress of Rosemere gave me the flavor of my favorite Regencies with a style that is all Sarah Ladd original! I experienced a touch of Jane Eyre gothic drama, though not as heavy, and the feel of Sense and Sensibility’s family scenes. Also, generous dollops of a Pride and Prejudice worthy romance—with the added bonus that William and Patience share more scenes and feelings than Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.
So, gentle reader, who could ask for more?
Who will love this book . . .
Regency fans
Jane Austen movie adaptation fans
Period piece drama fans
Writers looking to be inspired by some quality prose
Young teen readers on up
***Thanks to Sarah for providing a copy for me to review.
And while I’m sharing, here’s how Romantic Times describes her latest novel, The Headmistress of Rosemere: “This book has it all: shining prose, heart-wrenching emotion, vivid and engaging characters, a well-paced plot, and a sigh-worthy happy ending that might cause some readers to reach for the tissue box.”
Here’s my take . . . The Headmistress of Rosemere tells the story of spinster Patience Creighton, who deals competently with her ailing mother and her boarding school filled with young ladies, but always seems to carry an air of sadness. Enter her landlord, William Sterling, a handsome, brooding hero, complete with dark past and cleft chin, who throws Patience’s well-ordered world into chaos. A fire, a goat, and some Lizzie-Bennet-type-annoying relatives stir things up. And a thread of mystery kept me turning pages.
What I liked best . . .
The Headmistress of Rosemere gave me the flavor of my favorite Regencies with a style that is all Sarah Ladd original! I experienced a touch of Jane Eyre gothic drama, though not as heavy, and the feel of Sense and Sensibility’s family scenes. Also, generous dollops of a Pride and Prejudice worthy romance—with the added bonus that William and Patience share more scenes and feelings than Lizzie and Mr. Darcy.
So, gentle reader, who could ask for more?
Who will love this book . . .
Regency fans
Jane Austen movie adaptation fans
Period piece drama fans
Writers looking to be inspired by some quality prose
Young teen readers on up
***Thanks to Sarah for providing a copy for me to review.