Evelyn Bray’s life was turned upside down when her grandfather lost his estate through his gambling and poor management. Now as a young woman, her mother has left her alone with her grandfather as her mother starts a new life in Plymouth. Her grandfather is the steward on an old friend’s estate, Wyndcliff, in Cornwall. Life changes again when Liam Twethewey inherits the estate at just twenty-two. Liam has great plans for improving the estate and the lives of the tenants by opening up a china clay pit. Once he is at the estate, he discovers rumors of smuggling and illegal activities. After a tragic shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam discover many mysteries of the area. What mysterious activities are happening and who is involved?
I enjoyed this book. The characters were wonderful. I love how both Evelyn and Liam were fish out of water, people who didn’t quite belong in the village and had to make their way in the world. I like that they were strong characters who stuck to their ethics even in difficult situations.
I loved the Regency time period in England. This is one of my favorite time periods to read about. There is also just something about Cornwall and its storm swept shores that captures my imagination.
The story was great. If you love Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier and the Poldark series by Winston Graham, you may have a hint of what will happen on these rocky shores of Cornwall. It wasn’t a surprise to me what would happen, but the how and who were interesting to find out.
I love Sarah Ladd’s novels. She writes great, believable characters and stories that you don’t want to put down. I was surprised to find this novel is the third in a series, it stands on its own. I have loved other Ladd novels and I’m going to catch up on this series.
Favorite Quotes:
“You’d best keep your senses about you. Keeping your good reputation is all about appearances, and you are in a dangerous position.”
“But broken things, with care and attention, can often be mended, can they not?” Overall, The Light at Wyndcliff was a delightful Regency romance with the suspense along the beautiful rocky shores of Cornwall.
Book Source: A Review Copy from Thomas Nelson for being a
part of the TLC Book Tour. Thank-you! For more stops on this tour, check out this link.
Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.
Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.
Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.
Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.
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I haven't read anything by Sarah E. Ladd but I think I'd really enjoy her work. The characters and setting sound compelling. Excellent review, Laura!
ReplyDeleteThank-you! I've read a few of her novels now and they are very enjoyable!
DeleteI also really like books set in Cornwall. And that Regency time period is a favorite, too. I'm looking forward to reading this one. :)
ReplyDeleteI loved it! There is definitely something about Cornwall and the Regency time period for me as well!
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