The Letter from Briarton Park - (The Houses of Yorkshire) by Sarah E Ladd (Paperback)

Wonderful book! A true vacation when you read it!

"Everything she thought she knew had shifted, which reinforced one fact: she needed to be very careful whom she trusted." Leaving everything familiar behind, based on the contents of a cryptic letter, Cassandra Hale enters the small town of Anston with a mystery to solve; her parentage. With a small sum of money to fund her stay, Cassandra slowly becomes ingratiated into the community, which looks upon her with the same measure of suspicion that she feels towards some of them. Becoming acquainted with the local vicar, who seems to have a certain propensity for anticipating her every need, Cassandra is grateful for his knowledge of the area's history. But it is the master of Briarton Park, James Warrington, who catches Cassandra's full attention, their awkward introduction serving as only the beginning of their curious and somewhat awkward interactions. Yet, how much does she really know about him and the swirling accusations about the area mill owners and their business practices, not to mention her vulnerability as a single young woman who is virtually alone in the world, . . . . . for doubts are accelerating into danger. So many questions. So few answers. And a plethora of details that don't make any sense . . . until they do. What a sweet progression of relationship! Like hummingbirds, James and Cassandra flit in and out of each other's presence, not knowing quite how to pause long enough to acknowledge what their hearts are saying to their heads. Cassandra had always been told, "Emotions will cloud your judgement and weaken your ability to react rationally.". But now? It was time for everything to be made new.

Thanks to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. If you like Jane Austen novels, this one's for you. Cassandra Hale has never known her parents, and when on her deathbed her guardian, Mrs. Denton, shares a letter she's been saving for two years, the course of the novel begins. The eponymous letter - from Briarton Park - offers a clue of her father's identity. So Cassandra travels from her small town near London to Briarton Park in response to the invitation to meet with the letter writer, Mr. Clark. She learns that Mr. Clark has been deceased for two years (just after he sent the letter). She meets several people in the village and everyone soon knows of her and her search for "her people" - Mr. North, the vicar; James Warrington, a local mill owner and current owner of Briarton Park; Mr. Longham, a lawyer who has been searching for her; Betsy, a young woman who befriends her, and a few others (no spoilers here). Throughout the novel Cassandra is looking for the truth of her parentage. As James Warrington reveals, "her plight was drawing him in. The struggle. The hope. The determination." And Cassandra's personality of thoughtful caution is admirable. She is surprisingly strong when she needs to be. Cassandra shares words of wisdom with another character which illustrate her common sense: "...what is important is that you find that your strength is in your character, not to whom you are married. Find happiness and contentment from within, not in your circumstances." The more she searches for her origins, the more mysteries are uncovered, but not yet revealed. "Everything, every aspect of this search, feels so convoluted," Cassandra bemoans. "It seems as if everything I know is a lie or a shifted version of truth. I don't know what to do or where to go. Perhaps no one can be trusted." The novel contains a murder, a mystery, and a search for love and acceptance. The landscape is vividly described to create a moody atmosphere (fog, rain, moonlight). There are secret passages, concealed rooms, and other hidden panels in the Briarton Park manor. This regency-era story includes historical descriptions of the period clothing as well as behavior. The characters are very aware of the propriety of the time as far as behavior, dress, language, etc. Although this was labeled a Christian romance, this is really just a "clean" romance. Other than the characters attending church, sadly there is nothing specifically Christian. This would be suitable for the Young Adult reader, or for anyone who enjoys historical romance in the Austen genre.

Set in early 1800s England, during a period of unrest among the nation's wool mill workers, The Letter From Briarton Park tells the story of Miss Cassandra Hale, a young teacher who taught in the same boarding school as she had grown up in never knowing her own family. After the passing of her mentor and surrogate mother, Cassandra sets out to learn about her roots following some surprising deathbed confessions. Ladd has crafted an interesting story filled with deception, suspicion, and intrigue while including a healthy portion of compassion, forgiveness, and love which made for several hours of reading pleasure. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

The Letter from Briarton Park is a thrilling Regency romance/mystery from Sarah E. Ladd. The story is captivating from the beginning as the secrets behind Cassandra Hale’s past are ever so slowly revealed. The gothic-type mystery in this book was spectacular and, for me, took center stage. The pacing was perfect to keep me reading one more chapter after another. I was completely enthralled by Miss Hale’s history. I had to know the who’s and the why’s! I could not rest until the end!! The romance was beautiful, sweet, and oh-so-slow-burn. Many sighs were sighed. James was a perfect gentleman, a man with humble beginnings but a generous and loving heart. I enjoyed watching his heart come to life again after grieving his wife for two years. And I adored how he always took the time to fully think through his emotions but was never hesitant to act when necessary. Overall, I loved this book. The Letter to Briarton Park is now my favorite book from this author! Fans of Regency romance/mystery, like Julie Klassen or Michelle Griep, will enjoy this story full of family secrets! Happy reading! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.