Blog Tour Review: Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dawn at Emberwilde (Thomas Nelson, May 2016)

Isabel Creston never dared to dream that love could be hers. Now, at the edge of a forest filled with dark secrets, she faces a fateful choice between love and duty.

For as long as she can remember, beautiful and free-spirited Isabel has strained against the rules and rigidity of the Fellsworth School in the rolling English countryside. No longer a student, Isabel set her sights on a steady role as a teacher at the school, a safe yet stifling establishment that would enable her to care for her younger sister Lizzie, who was left in her care after her father's death.

The unexpected arrival of a stranger with news of unknown relatives turns Isabel's small, predictable world upside down, sweeping her and her young charge into a labyrinth of intrigue and hidden motives.

At her new family's invitation, Isabel and Lizzie relocate to Emberwilde, a sprawling estate adjacent to a vast, mysterious wood rife with rumors and ominous folklore---along with whispers of something far more sinister. Perhaps even more startling, two handsome men begin pursuing Isabel, forcing her to learn the delicate dance between attraction, the intricate rules of courtship, and the hopes of her heart.

At Emberwilde Isabel will discover that the key to unlocking the mystery of her past may also open the door to her future and security. But first she must find it---in the depths of Emberwilde Forest.

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/1URtylY

Review: The Curiosity Keeper

The Curiosity Keeper by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE BOOK

“It is not just a ruby, as you say. It is large as a quail’s egg, still untouched and unpolished. And it is rumored to either bless or curse whomever possesses it.”

Camille Iverness can take care of herself. She’s done so since the day her mother abandoned the family and left Camille to run their shabby curiosity shop on Blinkett Street. But when a violent betrayal leaves her injured with no place to hide, Camille has no choice but to accept help from the mysterious stranger who came to her aid.

Jonathan Gilchrist never wanted to inherit Kettering Hall. As a second son, he was content working as a village apothecary. But when his brother’s death made him heir just as his father’s foolish decisions put the estate at risk, only the sale of a priceless possession—a ruby called the Bevoy—can save the family from ruin. But the gem has disappeared. And all trails lead to Iverness Curiosity Shop—and the beautiful shop girl who may or may not be the answer to his questions.

Curious circumstance throws them together, and an intricate dance of need and suspicion leads the couple from the seedy backwaters of London to the elite neighborhoods of the wealthy to the lush, green Surrey countryside—all in the pursuit of a blood-red gem that collectors will sacrifice anything to possess.

Caught at the intersection of blessings and curses, greed and deceit, two determined souls must unite to protect what they hold dear. But when a passion that shines far brighter than any gem is ignited, each will have to decide how much they are willing to risk for their future, love, and happiness.

MY REVIEW

I liked Camille's strength of character. Her life has not been easy but she stays strong and determined through it all. She's courageous, a hard worker, and determined to live a different life than the one she discovers her father has fallen into. Jonathan's character was okay. I liked the fact that he's a gentleman who wouldn't stand by and let Camille get hurt and that he's stood up to his father and created his own life. Other than that, I thought his character was rather tame. He does come through in the end with heroic action though so that was good. I didn't care for his sister - very wishy-washy - sometimes nice, other times scheming & selfish. And there was no satisfactory conclusion to her story so I hope there is more about her in the next book. And that she has a stronger character.

I think fans of Sarah E. Ladd and fans of historical fiction will enjoy this book. For myself, although there was a twist that I saw coming and a twist I didn't see coming, I felt like this book was a little on the bland side. I'm not sure why because I really enjoyed her other series. I did enjoy it enough that I will read the second one coming out next year. :D

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson & Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*


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Review: A Lady at Willowgrove Hall

A Lady at Willowgrove Hall by Sarah E. Ladd

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Cecily Faire has a secret—and she intends to keep it. But when she arrives at Willowgrove Hall to serve as a lady's companion, she comes face-to-face with the only person who knows the truth about her past.

As the steward of Willowgrove Hall, Nathaniel Stanton is dedicated to serving those around him. Nothing escapes his notice—including the beautiful new lady’s companion. He is certain the lovely Miss Faire is hiding something, and he determines to uncover it. But Nathaniel has a secret of his own: he is the illegitimate son of Willowgrove’s former master. Falling in love was not part of his plans . . . until he meets Cecily Faire.

I loved this story. The tragedy of Cecily being separated from her family (especially her twin sister - I have a twin sister and I can't imagine being separated and not knowing where she was!) comes full circle when she comes to work at Willowgrove Hall and comes face-to-face with the man who was part of the reason for that separation. I like how the book portrays her as having grown and changed for the better. Thankfully, she has outgrown her infatuation with this man and is quickly drawn to Nathaniel. Nathaniel's character is wonderful. I enjoyed his interactions with his mother and sisters and with Cecily. I also loved Nathaniel's family! They were just what Cecily needed. The story felt a little rushed in the end but otherwise it's a wonderful story that flows smoothly and ends satisfactorily. :)

*Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.*



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