To my editor, Becky Monds, and to my line editor, Julee Schwarzburg—you two are amazing. To the rest of the team at HarperCollins Christian Publishing—thank you for all you do.
And last but not least, to KBR and KC—onward!
About the Author
Photo by Emilie Haney of EAH Creative
Sarah E. Ladd is an award-winning, bestselling author who has always loved the Regency period—the clothes, the music, the literature, and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest, and she began seriously writing in 2010. Since then, she has released several novels set during the Regency era. Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. She lives in Indiana with her family.
* * *
Visit Sarah online at SarahLadd.com
Instagram: @sarahladdauthor
Facebook: @SarahLaddAuthor
Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor
Pinterest: @SarahLaddAuthor
Acclaim for Sarah E. Ladd
“The swoon-worthy romance of Jane Austen meets the suspense of Charlotte Brontë in Sarah Ladd’s enthralling The Letter from Briarton Park. As Cassandra navigates the mystery of her own life, it is absolutely clear that family—either of blood or heart—are where she, and we, ultimately find our home.”
—Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Fifth Avenue Artists Society and The Greenbrier Resort
“The Light at Wyndcliff is a richly atmospheric Regency novel, reminiscent of the works of Victoria Holt and Daphne du Maurier. The storm-swept Cornish coast is a character unto itself, forming the perfect backdrop for an expertly woven tale of secrets, danger, and heartfelt romance. A riveting and deeply emotional read.”
—Mimi Matthews, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Parish Orphans of Devon series
“[The Light at Wyndcliff] expertly deploys elements of gothic mystery . . . The descriptions of the dilapidated property add dark, delicious atmosphere . . . The atmosphere and intrigue keep the pages turning.”
—Publishers Weekly
“[Ladd] faithfully depicts the rough Cornish coast of the 1820s, with its rocky coves and windswept moors, the slow-simmering romance between the attractive principals is skillfully done, the suspense is intriguing, and all is brought to a satisfying conclusion . . . This charmingly written, gentle tale of manners and romance hits the right notes.”
—Historical Novel Society for The Light at Wyndcliff
“Fans of Julie Klassen will love this.”
—Publishers Weekly for The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
“Cornwall’s iconic sea cliffs are on display in The Thief of Lanwyn Manor, but it’s the lyrical prose, rich historical detail, and layered characters that truly shine on the page. Fans of Regency romance will be instantly drawn in and happily lost within the pages.”
—Kristy Cambron, bestselling author of The Paris Dressmaker and the Lost Castle novels
“Northanger Abbey meets Poldark against the resplendent and beautifully realized landscape of Cornwall. Ladd shines a spotlight on the limitations of women in an era where they were deprived of agency and instead were commodities in transactions of business and land. The thinking-woman’s romance, The Thief of Lanwyn Manor is an unputdownable escape.”
—Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration
“Brimming with dangerous secrets, rich characters, and the hauntingly beautiful descriptions Sarah Ladd handles so well, 1800s Cornwall is brought vividly to life in this well-crafted tale that kept me glued to the pages.”
—Abigail Wilson, author of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey, for The Governess of Penwythe Hall
“Lovers of sweet and Christian romance alike will fall in love with Delia’s strength amid the haunting backdrop of her tragic past and the Cornish coast.”
—Josi S. Kilpack, Whitney Award–winning author of the Mayfield Family series, for The Governess of Penwythe Hall
“Absolutely captivating! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put down The Governess of Penwythe Hall. This blend of Jane Eyre, Jane Austen, and Jamaica Inn has it all. Intrigue. Danger. Poignant moments. And best of all a sweet, sweet love story. This is by far my favorite Sarah Ladd book.”
—Michelle Griep, Christy Award–winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series
“A strong choice for fans of historical fiction, especially lovers of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. It will also appeal to admirers of Kristy Cambron and Tracie Peterson.”
—Library Journal for The Weaver’s Daughter
“A gently unfolding love story set amid the turmoil of the early Industrial Revolution. [The Weaver’s Daughter is] a story of betrayal, love, and redemption, all beautifully rendered in rural England.”
—Elizabeth Camden, RITA Award–winning author
“With betrayals, murders, and criminal activity disrupting the peace at Fellsworth, Ladd fills the pages with as much intrigue as romance. A well-crafted story for fans of Regency novels.”
—Publishers Weekly for A Stranger at Fellsworth
“Ladd’s story, with its menace and cast of seedy London characters, feels more like a work of Dickens than a Regency . . . A solid outing.”
—Publishers Weekly on The Curiosity Keeper
“A delightful read, rich with period details. Ladd crafts a couple the reader roots for from the very beginning and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end.”
—Sarah M. Eden, bestselling author of For Elise on The Curiosity Keeper
“My kind of book! The premise grabbed my attention from the first lines, and I eagerly returned to its pages. I think my readers will enjoy The Heiress of Winterwood.”
—Julie Klassen, bestselling, award-winning author
“If you are a fan of Jane Austen and Jane Eyre, you will love Sarah E. Ladd’s debut.”
—USAToday.com on The Heiress of Winterwood
“Ladd’s charming Regency debut is enhanced with rich detail and well-defined characters. It should be enjoyed by fans of Gilbert Morris.”
—Library Journal on The Heiress of Winterwood
Also by Sarah E. Ladd
The Cornwall Novels
The Governess of Penwythe Hall
The Thief of Lanwyn Manor
The Light at Wyndcliff
The Weaver’s Daughter
The Treasures of Surrey Novels
The Curiosity Keeper
Dawn at Emberwilde
A Stranger at Fellsworth
The Whispers on the Moors Novels
The Heiress of Winterwood
The Headmistress of Rosemere
A Lady at Willowgrove Hall
Copyright
The Letter from Briarton Park
Copyright © 2022 Sarah Ladd
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.