The Governess of Penwythe Hall: Atmospheric, Sweet Regency Romance

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.

What a beautiful regency book written about Cornwall, England in the early 1800's. Sarah Ladd000000 takes us on an adventure from the first few pages of her book. She does not let you go until you are reading the last page and closing the book. Her story has love, family, action, suspense and there is always a thread of faith woven throughout her novels. Delia, our heroine, is just trying to start a new life and get as far from Cornwall as she can. By accepting a governess job, things seem to be looking up for her. She loves the children she is taking care of and they all seem to love her as well. Who would have thought, just a few years later, first the mother would die and the children would lose their dad in a riding accident a short time later. She never expected his last request would be for her to watch over his children. She finds herself back on the Cornwall coast moving in with the children's uncle. Jac Twetheway, the children's uncle is in for a big surprise and change to his bachelor lifestyle, when they all arrive unannounced. Jac is grieving the lost of his only brother and dealing with the regrets of the past. Can he get through all these changes and still run his orchard business? Fans of Christian, regency romance will not be disappointed with Sarah's new book. I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Publishers through NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.

The Governess of Penwythe Hall by Sarah E. Ladd Labeled a Christian book I almost set it aside as this is not my favorite genre of book. That said, I am glad I did read this story as it was well worth reading. Cordelia is a widow who finds herself working as a governess far from where she grew up. When the last of the parents of the five children in her and the tutor’s care dies they are sent back to Cornwall to live with one of their charge’s relatives. It is not an easy adjustment and much transpires between the first and last page of the book. Some of the characters that seem nice enough prove to be just the opposite and at times there are tragic and even fearsome events that occur. There is a romance that is slow growing and a delight to watch, bad people that get their comeuppance while others get away with quite a bit and an eventual happily ever after for Cordelia and the man who makes her happy. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4 Stars